Everton de Vina vs Patriotas FC Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

Everton de Vina make their return to the continental scene for the first time since 2009, when they competed in the Copa Libertadores. This is the first ever appearance in the Sudamericana and it was only last year that the side won promotion to the Chilean top flight. Los Auriazules qualified for the competition after reaching the final of the Chilean Cup last season, which was a good achievement despite being hammered by Colo Colo in the final.

Everton’s performance in the first half of the Chilean season,, the Apertura, suggested that they would have a real relegation battle on their hands. The side finished in 14th place, one point ahead of rock bottom Universidad de Concepcion. However, a few clever buys over the Christmas period has seen a miraculous turn around and the side are currently in truly fantastic form. Eight games into the Clausura, they lie just two points off the top, with four wins and four draws.  Such a long unbeaten streak has them coming into the tie with great confidence.

Patriotas are a team with little history, having only been founded in 2003. In 2011 they were promoted to the Colombian top flight for the first time and have stayed there ever since. Patriotas have done little more than retain their top flight status since being promoted, but last year marked significant progress as an 8th placed finish in the Finalización phase of the league allowed them to advance to the knockout stage for the first time ever, and with that came the qualification to the Sudamericana.

Their start to the new domestic season has been mediocre at best, only taking 14 points from 11 games. That has them sitting in 12th out of 20 teams and the weekend’s 2-1 defeat at Rionegro Aguilas can only have served to damage confidence. On home soil performances have been good, but what is a real worry ahead of the game is their away form. In 7 games on the road over cup and league they have scored just 2 goals, and have also suffered heavy 4-1 and 5-0 defeats along the way, the first of which coming against lower league opposition in the form of Llaneros.

There is no doubt that Everton are the favourites here. On home soil and in great form they should have no trouble in establishing a comfortable lead to take to Colombia for the second leg. Patriotas are really struggling away from home and it’s hard to see that changing on their first ever continental trip.

Far weaker sides than Everton have been blowing the visitors away, and Everton look a good bet to notch multiple goals here, something they have done all of their home games so far this year. We fancy the hosts to win the game 2-0.